Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Exodus 7:4, “But Pharaoh will not heed you, so that I may lay My hand on Egypt and bring My armies and My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt by great judgments.”

Background

Zero for nine. As a scientist or an inventor, that might not be such an unusual rate of success. I have heard stories of the countless number of attempts to prove certain facts of science, only to have the experiment fail time and time again. Certain inventions have taken dozens of years and hundreds of tries to create what was intended. Repeated failure certainly seems to be part of their job descriptions. As a coach or athlete, going zero for nine in the win column could be slightly more alarming. Confidence can quickly lag and the number of future opportunities can be limited, so getting off to a poor start can be devastating. Teammates and fans can tolerate only so much disappointment before they begin to demand improvement and success. So what was the mindset as God was dropping the plagues on the Egyptians? Initially, Pharaoh and the Egyptians felt pretty good. God turned the water into blood and sent the frogs, but their magicians were able to do the same things. But then when God sent the lice, the magicians were unable to match Him, and they confessed that this was the work of God. And by the time the fourth plague came, we don’t even hear of the magicians trying to duplicate God’s power.

Application

But the Israelites kept seeing God show His might, all the way up to the ninth plague of darkness, but with no effect on Pharaoh. Nine swings, and nine misses. And Moses had played Pharaoh’s game nine times, asking God to relent, only to see Pharaoh change his mind and not release the Israelites. But God knew what His percentage was going to be when He began the process. He wasn’t worried about what nine little delays would do to His fame and authority. He knew the Passover was coming. He knew the Red Sea would be crossed. He knew about the forty years in the desert. And He knew about the Promised Land. Zero for nine didn’t bother Him. He is One, and one is all He needs. So while we think One for ten isn’t too impressive, it’s perfect to Him. So endure your time, knowing that His one will surely come in time.

Charge

As we seek Him today, thank God for His perfect timing and design. Thank Him that we don’t have to plan or understand everything, and pray that He would keep you in the dark if it makes His light shine brighter.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words